This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Published by Indie/Self Published
Released on October 1, 2020
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: Author
The Delight
Sometimes a secondary character from a series just screams that he/she needs their own book. In this case, Killian from Geissinger’s Dangerous Beauty trilogy was both maddening-as in I truly hated him-to wow he’s different and I want to know more. This is the more that I and many of Geissinger’s fans have been waiting for.
Review
Juliet and her best girlfriends, Max and Fin have a special hobby that they indulge in after their normal work hours occasionally. It involves stealing from the absurdly rich and powerful men that don’t have an ounce of good in their bodies. It’s just their revenge against fate dealing them the hand of having horrible fathers-fathers that are in many cases worse than those the woman steal from. After one such robbery from the leader of the Irish mob in Boston, they think all is well. That is until mob boss Killian Black catches up with them. He pretty much latches on to Juliet immediately and for the first time he wants something he can’t have. On Juliet’s part, well, Killian is everything she wants to stay away from and has never wanted. Been there, done that, got every t shirt. This is the story of what happens after they meet.
In the Dangerous Beauty books, Killian was a horrible villain at first, but gradually that changed. I hated him. Then I loved him. In this book, because I know how good he is inside, or rather wants to be, it was fun seeing him try to act like a villain, when in truth he is falling hard for Juliet. Juliet is feisty to nth degree. She put up with a lot living with her horrible father when she was young and now takes nothing off of anyone. She’s strong, beautiful and brave and just the counterpart that Killian never knew he needed, but definitely does. Juliet is determined to stay away from Killian but since he’s determined to protect her, that doesn’t exactly work for her. I enjoyed their chemistry and how fast Killian is thrown for a loop because of her. Big, bad Killian-a goner.
There’s actually more to the story of course. There’s some dangerous situations, some gunfights and some even scarier moments. Geissinger does know how to ramp up the action when needed. She is also a genius at banter between the main characters. This time she also ramps up the banter between Juliet and her best friends. Max and Fin became much more than side characters with very individual personalities that stood out. That’s always a plus. I would definitely read a book about them if Gessinger decided to write their stories.
I loved this book as much, if not more than book one, which features Killian’s brother. At any rate, both warranted a 5 star rating from me. I highly recommend this book and the previous one also to adult romance readers or romantic suspense readers as well. Adult, due to the really hot sexy times. Good read!
About the Book
CRUEL PARADISE BY J.T. GEISSINGER
Anti-hero (noun):
1) A powerful and charismatic man lacking moral character
2) A magnificent bastard
3) Killian BlackYou don’t know me. You think you do, but you don’t. The only thing you know is my name, and even that’s a lie.
I’m king of Boston, lord of criminals, ruler of an underworld empire.
Or am I?Only one thing’s for sure: I operate alone.
Until I cross paths with a brazen little thief who sets my whole kingdom on fire.
Just as two wrongs don’t make a right, two villains don’t belong together. Especially since she’s the daughter of my most deadly enemy.
Taking her would start a war.
Keeping her would be suicide.
Making her mine would break every code of honor and defy all common sense.Then again, where’s the fun in following the rules?
Preview
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Love it when an author can make me a character I once hated. Wow, those gals do have an interesting hobby. 🙂
And wow did I hate him! He was pretty bad. Yes, the girls were really fun.
OOh a bad boy you learn to love excellent. Thanks Lorna
Yes! And you’re welcome. I love this authors books.
It’s been a while since I haven’t read a book by this author
I’ve read every book she’s ever published. I just love the way she writes and her banter is the best ever.
I love this type of character. Of course now I want to read the others first to see why you hated him!
Well I’m not going to say not to because I love J.T. Geissinger’s work so I always recommend her. You will definitely hate him too. At first anyway. Her only paranormal romance/UF series Night Prowler still is one of my favorites ever. I recommend that too. It’s one of those that gets better as you go and is so so different from others.
Maybe I’ll check it out one of these days when I have time.
It’s a good one! Enjoy if you get the chance.
oh Lorna I am so happy and pleased you enjoyed this one as well. I adored it. It was different from the first book, but so relieved this brother got his book too. And the beginning scene was epically awesome sauce. LOL Not what I expected at all when I started reading.
Have you read her Dangerous Beauty trilogy? She’s has some really good books. I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.
I have really enjoyed this author but haven’t read this series. Glad it was so great for you!
It was a fun series, at least I thought so. She’s just such a good author!